Artwork

Illustrations for Faust: Faust in his dressing-room

Illustrations for Faust: Faust in his dressing-room, by Eugène Delacroix, 1828
Illustrations for Faust: Faust in his dressing-room, by Eugène Delacroix, 1828

Illustrations for Faust: Faust in his dressing-room is a print by the Romanticist artist Eugène Delacroix. It dates from 1828 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Illustrations for Faust: Faust in his dressing-room is an 1828 print by Eugène Delacroix, a prominent French Romantic artist. The work captures a solitary, introspective moment of Faust in a dimly lit, intimate space.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts Faust seated in contemplation, surrounded by symbolic objects: a candle, globe, and books. This setting conveys emotional depth and romantic introspection, characteristic of Delacroix's thematic focus.

Technique & Style

Delacroix employed chiaroscuro to create a cozy, mysterious atmosphere, with the candle's light accentuating Faust's face and hands amidst the darkness. This approach reflects his emphasis on expressive lighting and color, influenced by Rubens and Venetian Renaissance painters.

History & Provenance

Created in 1828, the print is now part of the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Eugène Delacroix

Artist

Eugène Delacroix

Ferdinand Victor Eugène Delacroix ( DEL-ə-krwah, -⁠KRWAH; French: ; 26 April 1798 – 13 August 1863) was a French Romantic artist who was regarded as the leader of the French Romantic school.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.